How’s the tour going so far?
It’s going really well. I really couldn’t ask for more. I am finally making money from touring and the fan base is bigger. But the main one is my band is insanely good. I have the lineup I have always wanted. Really good singers. Everyone is a singer in their own bands, so that makes harmonies a big fat party.
You’ve written a lot of songs, do you have a basic idea of what your setlist will be before you embark? Does it change every night? How do you balance new songs with older songs?
I’m playing a lot from the new album but some older material too. I change up the set every night and have my band sing parts that I’d usually sing and the crowd loves it.
You played “Here Comes the…” on Ellen a few weeks ago, which was your solo television debut. What was it like playing to an audience that wasn’t your crowd? Did you feel hindered by the three and a half minute format?
The appearance led to a shitload of album sales, so it was cool to do. Ellen was awesome. Plus Alecia and I are like besties and I loved being able to perform with her. I did cut a little from the front of the song, but it still sounded cool to me.
You’ve worked with Pink quite a bit, both as a producer and a duet partner. What do you like best about working with her? Why did you choose her to be your duet partner for “Here Comes the…?”
When she first heard the song we weren’t sure it was gonna be on the album, but she told me, “If it does make it I wanna sing it with you.” So we recorded it.
Sycamore Meadows came after one of the worst events of your life, the wildfire that destroyed your home. Did you find it easier to write after that happened, or did it take a while?
The flood gates opened. I had some material written, but I felt like I had really said it all in my songs. It’s also just a natural progression of who I am and where I am musically.
One of the things that I found remarkable about the album is that while it was introspective, it was never depressing. How did you manage to write about such a tragic event without self-pity?
I didn’t want the whole album to be depressing or one sound. We know those types of albums and I know better to create that. Plus I didn’t feel all that down after the fires. It was kind of like, “ok i didn’t need all that stuff anyway.” Now I’m back to living with more basics and it feels good.
Was “Song for the Metalheads” meant to be serious or ironic?
Serious. It’s for all the people who think they’ll come to my shows to hear some heavy shit being played.
You’ve embraced modern technology like Myspace, MP3s and Friends or Enemies, but your records also have an old-school feel. Do you prefer the new technology to going to a record store and buying a physical product?
I’ve always collected records and I love the sound that they play. They sound way better than mp3s, but I’m realistic and have always embraced the technology end. I have no preference, but I prefer people support as much as they can in whatever format they choose
Myspace organizes a lot of one-off shows. Just recently the Ben Folds Five reunited. Do you ever see yourself doing a one-off show with the Marvelous 3?
I’m still good friends with those guys, they sometimes join me on stage in Atlanta. I’m never against anything, but right now it’s not they style for me.
great interview, man
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